Full Breakdown
Policy Wins for Nature in 2025: A Year of Progress Amidst Challenges
12/19/2025, 10:57:12 AM
Expanding Marine Protections
In 2025, significant strides were made in marine conservation, highlighted by the expansion of marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide. Under the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, countries pledged to protect at least 30% of the world’s land and water by 2030. As of now, only 9.6% of the ocean is effectively protected. However, a pivotal moment occurred in September when Morocco became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, enabling its entry into force in January 2026. This treaty establishes a legal framework for creating networks of MPAs in international waters, crucial for achieving the 30 by 30 target.
In addition to new designations, existing MPAs received enhanced protections. For instance, Greece became the first European nation to ban bottom trawling in all its protected areas, a practice known for its destructive impact on marine habitats. Similarly, the Philippines strengthened protections for a coral hotspot, and the UK government announced plans to do the same in 41 MPAs.
Safeguarding Terrestrial Ecosystems
On land, various countries took significant actions to bolster ecosystem protections. Colombia designated a territory to protect an uncontacted Indigenous group, prohibiting economic development in the area. This move aims to safeguard both the Yuri-Passé people and the biodiversity in their habitat. Furthermore, Colombia declared its entire Amazonian biome a reserve for natural resources, banning new oil and large-scale mining projects.
Australia proposed the Great Koala National Park, dedicated to the endangered marsupial, while the Kyrgyz Republic announced an ecological corridor linking protected areas to enhance biodiversity.
Advancing Environmental Justice
Legal advancements also marked 2025, with notable rulings that support environmental justice. The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion stating that governments could be held accountable for greenhouse gas emissions under international law. This ruling, although non-binding, opens avenues for nations to sue each other over climate change impacts.
At the national level, Nepal's Supreme Court struck down a law permitting construction in protected areas, reinforcing the importance of environmental safeguards. In Indonesia, a controversial mining project was halted by the Supreme Court, which found that it posed significant risks to local communities.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite these achievements, some critics argue that the pace of progress is insufficient compared to the scale of environmental degradation. The International Energy Agency projects that the world needs to add 4,600 gigawatts of renewable capacity by 2030 to meet climate goals, indicating that current efforts may fall short.
What's Next
Looking ahead, the momentum established in 2025 suggests a shift towards more sustainable practices. The High Seas Treaty will take effect in January 2026, and ongoing legal actions may further hold polluters accountable. As countries continue to enhance their commitments to biodiversity and climate action, the focus will remain on scaling these efforts to meet global environmental challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are doing this not only as an act of environmental sovereignty, but also as a fraternal call to the other countries that share the Amazon biome, because the Amazon knows no borders and its preservation requires us to work together.” — Irene Vélez Torres, Acting Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Colombia.
- “This case sets an important legal precedent in terms of environmental protection and the community’s right to a healthy environment,” — Rosa Vivien Ratnawati, Secretary-General, Ministry of Environment, Indonesia.
